Dear Parishioners,
The liturgical season of Advent originated as a fast of
forty days in preparation for Christmas. It was sometimes
called Little Lent or St. Martin's Lent because
it began on the feast of St. Martin of Tours (November
11). The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday—from
the Latin word “rejoice.” We rejoice because the Lord is near. Advent is
halfway completed. Priests have the option of wearing a rose colored
vestment and we light the rose candle of the advent wreath.
Society seems completely to overlook this minor penitential season and
move right into Christmas. There is no fasting, sacrifice or spiritual
preparation but Christmas parties, holiday shopping and increased
celebration. Unfortunately, when the actual Christmas season begins
with the Mass of Christmas Eve, many people will soon thereafter
take down the decorations and the tree. The time for celebrating is over
and we move on to the next thing. Christmas tragically ends all too
abruptly within the actual Christmas season for many.
How often we are driven by the consumer mentality as the stores will
begin preparing for Valentine’s Day
and Presidents Day, immediately
following those after-Christmas sales. Why everything have to be
about buying and owning many things? I again
emphasize the importance of person and relationship over things
and possessions. Christmas-time can have some wonderful effects
when families come together and people socialize with both families and friends. People
can be extraordinarily generous and kind as well.
Yet, the essential meaning of Christmas should never be lost: God
became a man. He revealed His inner life to us and spent time with
us. He lived with us and died for us. Many messages distract from
this one. However, the coming of Jesus Christ is truly
the focal point of all human history. Why do even Christians sometimes
miss or forget this truth?
First and foremost for all of us there has to be more of a focus on prayer
and conversion—a change of heart—within our parishes and
families. The glamour of sin and the illusory happiness that it may
temporarily bring has a choke hold on the world today. While many may not
directly deny the existence of God, far too many live in such a way that His
effect on our lives is negligible or non-existent.
Use the remaining time of Advent in the way it was
intended. Prepare spiritually for the coming of
Christ. Go to confession (the Sacrament of Penance and
Reconciliation). Pray, fast, read Sacred Scripture, be charitable. Come
visit Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Just take some time to be quiet
and to reflect. Slow down!
When Christmas actually arrives (Christmas
eve), we all will be much better off spiritually.
Come, Lord Jesus!
Fr. Ed Namiotka
Pastor
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